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Breastfeeding week

From knowing what to eat, to dealing with breast pain or low milk supply, breastfeeding might not always be simple. This breastfeeding week, in order to make it easier on you, our expert has joined the community to answer any questions you might have. Ask our breastfeeding expert your questions here!

17 Weeks Pregnant

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You are now 17 weeks pregnant (or in your 18th week if that's how you prefer to count it).

How your baby's growing

Things are really moving now. This week, your baby's eyes look forward instead of to the sides, her ears are almost in their final place, and the rubbery cartilage that will become her skeleton is about to start hardening into bone. Read more information on your baby's development this week.

How your life's changing

First-time mums often start to feel their baby's movements around now. Many women report that the first sensations are fluttery or like butterflies in the stomach. Unfortunately, your partner won't be able to share in your excitement just yet -- real kicking doesn't usually start for a month or so.

As your body gently expands, you may feel less than glamorous. Take some time to feel good about your changing body in the coming weeks. Even if you don't feel attractive, your partner probably still finds you a turn-on -- some men find the roundness that pregnancy gives to women's figures very appealing. It's quite safe to have sex right up until your waters break, provided there is no medical reason not to, such as bleeding. Some women find that their libido increases during pregnancy while others go right off making love -- it's quite normal either way. If finding a comfortable position is the problem, then follow our tips.

You may also notice that the areola, the darkish area around your nipples, is getting larger as your breasts expand. It's a harmless side effect of pregnancy but it may last as long as 12 months after the birth. You may have noticed other skin changes such as the linea nigra and the mask of pregnancy; both of which will also fade after the baby is born.

Pregnancy Tip: An alternative way to treat piles

"I had piles in my last pregnancy so I wasn't surprised when they appeared again. This time a friend suggested taking vitamin E capsules and they've helped." – Diya

Community

Join the community and hear from other parents expecting in the same month as you.

Poll of the week

Things to consider

If you are planning on quitting work, it's a good idea to talk through your family finances with your husband well before your baby's born. He could feel relieved if he's been worrying about it too. Read about surviving on a single income.

Disaster preparedness
If you live in an earthquake prone area, learn how to prepare for the unpredictable. See how to respond to an earthquake and how to help your child get through the fear and anxiety it can cause.